What are the definitions of “put down to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give as an explanation.
He didn't score many, but we can PUT that DOWN TO inexperience.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put down to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put down to is to give an explanation or reason for something, usually an event or a situation. It is often used when trying to understand why something happened or to justify an outcome.
What are the different verb forms of “put down to”?
| Root Verb | put down to |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts down to |
| Present Participle | putting down to |
| Simple Past | put down to |
| Past Participle | put down to |
Example
She put her success down to hard work and determination.
Example
He puts his failure down to a lack of preparation.
Example
They are putting their success down to teamwork and good communication.
Example
We put the delay down to bad weather.
Example
The poor performance was put down to a lack of motivation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put down to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“put down to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She put her success down to hard work.
Example
He put the mistake down to inexperience.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“put down to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She put her success down to hard work.
Example
He put the mistake down to inexperience.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put down to”?
Put something down to experience
To consider a negative event or situation as a learning opportunity.
Example
Although the project failed, we can put it down to experience and learn from our mistakes.
Put down to a misunderstanding
To attribute a situation or event to a miscommunication or confusion.
Example
The argument was put down to a misunderstanding between the two parties.
Put down to luck
To attribute an outcome or event to chance or good fortune.
Example
He put his win down to luck rather than skill.
Good things to know
Does “put down to” have an informal or formal tone?
Put down to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
